Want to know how I made my backyard look like it belongs in a magazine? White flowers! They’re super easy to work with and make everything look fancy.
Here are my top 10 white flowers that will make your garden look stunning!
The Top 10 White Flowering Plants
1. Gardenia
This was my first climbing plant, and it remains one of my absolute favorites. The clusters of sweet-scented blooms transform my garden fence into a fragrant wonderland every spring.
I’ve trained mine along my pergola, creating the most enchanting outdoor dining space. The emerald green foliage provides a stunning backdrop year-round, whether in sun or shade.
I give mine a light pruning after flowering to keep it looking tidy. Trust me, your neighbors will be asking for your gardening secrets!
2. Star Jasmine
I discovered star jasmine when looking for something to cover our bare fence, and it’s been a game-changer! The clusters of sweetly scented blooms against emerald green foliage create the perfect backdrop.
This well-behaved climber has become my go-to recommendation for gardening friends. I’ve trained it along my patio walls and even created a charming topiary by our entrance.
What I love most about star jasmine is its versatility. Mine thrives in both sunny spots and shadier corners of the garden, making it practically foolproof.
3. Pia (Frangipani)
Every time I walk past my Pia plant, I’m instantly transported to my Hawaiian vacation! This tropical beauty has become the centerpiece of my poolside garden.
The stunning white flowers release such a delightful fragrance that my neighbors often stop to ask about it. I started with one in a container on our deck, and now I have three!
Since learning it was introduced to Hawaii in 1860, I love sharing this little bit of history with garden visitors. It’s like having a piece of paradise right in our backyard.
4. Agapanthus
The first time I saw agapanthus in bloom, I couldn’t believe my eyes! These giant starbursts of white flowers create the most dramatic display in my garden borders.
I’ve planted several varieties including Snow Goose, Snowball, and Snowstorm. They’ve formed stunning focal points that never fail to draw compliments from guests.
My top tip? I feed them with complete fertilizer in autumn and spring, and always remove spent flower heads. This keeps them blooming beautifully year after year.
5. Philadelphus (Mock Orange)
When I was searching for a fragrant shrub for our front yard, I stumbled upon mock orange. The small white to cream flowers produce the most incredible orange blossom scent!
Learning about its native origins from Southeastern Europe to the Himalayas made me appreciate this hardy plant even more. It’s become a conversation starter during garden parties.
Mine thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, creating the most enchanting atmosphere during bloom time.
6. Wild Iris
As a busy mom, I appreciate low-maintenance plants, and wild iris has been a dream come true! It flowers reliably whether I plant it in sun or shade.
The long strappy green foliage provides year-round interest, but the real show happens around Christmas time. That’s when the iris-like flowers with soft blue centers appear.
I simply remove the entire flower stems after blooming, and they reward me with another gorgeous display the following year.
7. White Hibiscus Swan Lake
My White Hibiscus Swan Lake has become the star of our tropical-themed garden corner. On summer afternoons, I love floating its blooms in our outdoor water bowls.
This beauty thrives in both full sun and dappled shade, though I’ve found it can grow quite large. I keep mine in check with regular pruning after winter frosts.
To maintain those gorgeous blooms at eye level, I feed it seasonally with well-rotted manure and fertilizer. During warmer months, I spray with organic plant oils every four weeks to keep pests at bay.
8. Flannel Flower
The unique texture of flannel flowers always captures visitors’ attention in my garden. Their white petals have the most interesting felted texture that children love to touch.
I started mine from seed, and watching them bloom in spring and summer has been so rewarding. The tiny true flowers clustered in the center add such delicate detail.
These natives have taught me the importance of well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. They’ve become a cherished addition to my Australian native garden bed.
9. Water Lily
Adding water lilies to our courtyard container garden was one of my best decisions! I chose the Wood’s White Night variety, which creates the most magical evening display.
During hot days, the flowers close up, but come evening, they open to reveal their stunning blooms. The large lily pads not only cool the water but have attracted friendly frogs to our garden.
This water feature has become our family’s favorite spot for evening relaxation. There’s something so peaceful about watching these elegant flowers float on the water.
10. Hydrangea
Every Christmas, my white hydrangeas become the stars of our holiday decorating. Their large, globe-like clusters make the most stunning arrangements.
I’ve learned that these beauties prefer the cooler, southern areas of our garden where they can retain moisture. Regular watering during hot months and a thick mulch of well-rotted manure keeps them happy.
Here’s my favorite cutting tip: When bringing them inside, cut stems at a 45° angle underwater. This simple trick helps them last longer in arrangements and keeps our home looking festive throughout the season.